World Footy News

There was a great deal to like in tonight’s International Rules test match between Australia and Ireland in Perth. The 10 point result would have pleased Australians, as would the huge Paterson’s Stadium crowd. No doubt the Irish fans, whilst disappointed by the result, would have seen something special in the team’s comeback and some outstanding individual performances.

But, from my vantage point I saw one outstanding aspect. Is Dustin Fletcher a new national sporting legend?

To put this question in some sort of perspective, Fletcher was not Australia’s best player tonight. Luke Hodge and Sam Mitchell were outstanding, as was Nick Reiwoldt. Conor McManus was Ireland’s best, but I did like some of the work from David Moran and Mattie Donnelly as well as former AFL player Colm Begley.

No, it wasn’t a case of Fletcher was the best player on the field. It was just in those last few minutes of the game when Ireland were throwing everything at Australia when Fletcher appeared and stopped the opposition, just as he has done since 1993 at Essendon.

What was remarkable, and makes a great case for Fletcher to be seen as a legend of International Rules football, is that he turns 40 in May next year. He has played 393 games for Essendon since his debut in 1993 and has received enough accolades, awards and premierships to satisfy most players for life.

Yet, Fletcher continues to simply get better with age. His efforts in defence tonight certainly prevented Ireland from sneaking the “miraculous” win. The famed “Inspector Gadget” arms spoiled a near certain goal, and another courageously judged mark on the goal line stopped another. His efforts redefined the role of a goalkeeper as his incredible anticipation and judgement ensured an Aussie victory.

Fletcher wasn’t best on ground, but he didn’t need to be. What he did in those dying minutes was enough to impress me, and I would suspect many others. At a time where the AFL is wanting to ramp up the international acceptance of the game, Fletcher might have just given them their first poster boy. He might just be the first Australian International Rules player to have defined his role so well that the selling of the game could be built around him.
His little cameo tonight was enough to make me see the International Rules game in a different light. I hope others who watched the game see things similarly.

International Rules new Australian hero? And he’s about to turn 40.

That is remarkable. Legendary, really!

(Picture by www.zimbio.com)